锘縋hotography is an activity that knows no bounds, in terms of who can take it up.

The advent of digital photography and advances in technology have combined to give people with the most rudimentary photographic skills the ability to create pleasing images.

The Victoria Camera Club, established in 1944, has grown along with the popularity of capturing images using whatever means one has at their disposal. Its roughly 300 members come from around the Capital Region, including many West Shore residents. As a group, it continues to offer people with a love for photography B次元官网网址� from rank beginners to professionals B次元官网网址� a venue to share ideas and learn ways to improve their skills, in everything from specific shooting scenarios to general photographic concepts.

Club members Leah Gray, Nancy MacNab and Richard James, gathered recently in a busy Langford coffee shop for a conversation about the club and photography in general. They pointed out that amateurs looking to up their game need not be overwhelmed by those with more time behind the lens.

While many club members produce stunning images B次元官网网址� many of which can be viewed on the organizationB次元官网网址檚 website, victoriacameraclub.ca B次元官网网址� the trio pointed out that one need not be an expert shooter or own thousands of dollars worth of equipment to be welcomed into the fold.

B次元官网网址淵ou can have a point-and-shoot, you can be working with your cell phone, youB次元官网网址檙e still more than welcome. And you can still learn a lot,B次元官网网址� says Langford resident MacNab.

The club meets three times a month between September and May, but also puts on seven or eight events in that time, usually workshops dedicated to specific areas of photography such as night photography or lighting; or field trips aimed at getting people out to new areas and to practise their skills.

B次元官网网址淎lmost all of our workshops are run by members. We do a few paid ones but generally itB次元官网网址檚 members helping members,B次元官网网址� said James, a Saanich resident who is VCC vice-president in charge of communications and editor of the clubB次元官网网址檚 award-winning magazine Close-Up.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a real community,B次元官网网址� adds MacNab. B次元官网网址淓veryone helps everyone else. If I donB次元官网网址檛 know the answer, or Richard doesnB次元官网网址檛 know B次元官网网址� thereB次元官网网址檚 always someone who can help.B次元官网网址�

Gray, who lives in Colwood, joined the club nine months ago but has already taken on the busy job of webmaster. She and her husband have been avid photographers for many years and even plan their holidays around shooting locations or iconic sites. But theyB次元官网网址檝e found that joining the club has helped expand their photographic work.

B次元官网网址淗aving others to bounce ideas off makes such a difference,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淭he more you learn you want to try things.B次元官网网址�

While they agree the clubB次元官网网址檚 demographic has traditionally leaned toward older, often retired people with more time to spend taking pictures B次元官网网址� a couple of members have been with the club more than 40 years B次元官网网址� James said the average age is gradually getting younger. B次元官网网址淎s the club has grown over the years the membership has become more diverse,B次元官网网址� he said.

MacNab explained that shift further.

B次元官网网址淚t used to be very heavily weighted toward the landscape and nature photographers, and now thereB次元官网网址檚 a much more diverse interest range as well,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 more people, more street photography, more night photography.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淲e want to see more portraits and more sports,B次元官网网址� added Gray.

In terms of favourite places to shoot, Gray said often some of the best places are close to home.

B次元官网网址淕et up in the morning, check the light, run down to Albert Head or Esquimalt B次元官网网址� when the light is too good you canB次元官网网址檛 not go out,B次元官网网址� she says of her routine. B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 nothing like sitting in the dark with your cup of coffee, just waiting for the sun to come up. ThereB次元官网网址檚 something about that quiet time that is part of the experience.B次元官网网址�

The proverbial B次元官网网址済olden hourB次元官网网址� when the light is perfect happens twice a day.

MacNab often stops by the Gorge Waterway for a walk on her way home from work in town and frequently brings her camera. Not only are the Japanese Gardens in Esquimalt Gorge Park a picturesque spot, she said, thereB次元官网网址檚 usually people walking their dogs or boats travelling along the waterway, to create more activity in the shot.

James, a landscape specialist who had been shooting in Goldstream Park, Esquimalt Lagoon and Thetis Lake this particular week, pointed out that a person can plan their photo trip and be prepared to a certain extent. While being alert is always a good thing when shooting in a rural or remote area, one of the best suggestions is to look behind you to see what you may have missed, he said.

Membership in the club runs $85 a year for individuals, $43 for students and $128 for families. Interested parties may sit in at three meetings before deciding whether to join. For more information on the club, visit .

editor@goldstreamgazette.com

The best from behind the lens

B次元官网网址� Today (Nov. 10) the Victoria Camera Club opens an exhibit of membersB次元官网网址� work at Art Atelier 546 Gallery in Victoria. The items in the show range run the gamut, from landscape and people shots to black-and-white and digitally enhanced imagery. Colwood resident Leah GrayB次元官网网址檚 monochrome photo (shown above) of a windblown horse on a rugged hillside is among the 36 juried prints in the exhibit.

A special opening reception is being held tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. at the gallery, with artists in attendance. The show runs from now until Nov. 24. Art Atelier 546 is located at 546 Yates St. and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.